Diehl Aviation and Swiss International Air Lines have completed the first installation of a mechanical lift system (MLS) for overhead bins on an Airbus A350, marking the start of a broader retrofit programme.
The system is designed to reduce the force required to close overhead bins by up to 30%, aiming to lower physical strain on cabin crew during boarding and turnaround operations. It operates without electrical components and is intended to simplify maintenance.
The MLS is configured as a retrofit solution and can be integrated into existing overhead-bin structures without changes to cabin layout or storage capacity. Installation is designed to be completed within standard maintenance windows to minimise aircraft downtime.
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The modification process included structural adjustments to bin assemblies, with work carried out jointly by SWISS technical teams and Diehl Aviation support personnel. Training was also provided to airline engineering staff to support future installations.
Jörg Schuler, CEO of Diehl Aviation, said: “The system reduces physical workload, fits into existing cabins, and maintains operational reliability.”
The retrofit reflects ongoing industry efforts to introduce incremental cabin upgrades focused on crew ergonomics and maintainability without requiring full cabin redesigns.
